WHAT IS DIR?

Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship Based (DIR) model

DIR is the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship Based (DIR) model. This evidenced based model is used to help autistic people and others with developmental challenges. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, DIR considers the critical role of social emotional development starting at birth and continuing through a lifetime. The model highlights the power of relationships and emotional connections to empower development.  DIR practitioners have a deep understanding of the “D” and the “I”  to promote healthy development using the “R” in a respectful manner that builds connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement. 

WHAT IS FLOORTIME?

DIR Floortime is the application of the DIR framework into practice.  “DIR” gives practitioners the understanding of how development happens and “DIRFloortime” is the way to promote that development.   

WHO PROVIDES DIR FLOORTIME?

DIR practitioners are Educators, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Mental Health Professionals, and Physicians who have undergone extensive training in the DIR model.  These specialists provide support for parents, caregivers, grandparents or other Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals who are stakeholders in the person’s life using DIRFloortime.

WHAT IS THE RESEARCH?

DIRFloortime has strong research to support its effectiveness in improving core challenges of autism (including relating, interacting, and communicating), while improving parent-child relationships and decreasing caregiver stress. Check out this downloadable whitepaper summary of the evidenced based research here.

HOW DO I GET FUNDING?

Insurance Funding for DIRFloortime is coming closer to a reality in CA. In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill SB 805-Portantino which supports funding for all “evidenced based approaches to support autistic youth and their families”. SB 805 directs DDS (Department of Developmental Services) to define qualifications for professionals and paraprofessionals to provide evidenced based behavioral health services. SB 805 becomes effective July 2026, after DDS regulations have been adopted. In California, DDS is the payor of last resort. If children are unable to access the evidence-based form of treatment deemed to be medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor or psychologist through their insurance, then DDS may become the funding source.

As of 2024, caregivers have a choice of how they access behavioral health and can access DIRFloortime services in 2 ways.

1. Private pay.  Parents can choose to hire their own DIRFloortime Assistant (DFA) and DIR professional to help develop a program. A DIR professional has bachelor’s degree at the minimum and trained at the advanced or expert level. Parents can also choose to train their DFA through ICDLs training program or their basic 40 hour assistant program.
2. If your child qualifies for Regional Center Services you can choose to use the Self Determination Program (SDP).  Click here for more information on the SDP at the San Andreas Regional Center.  There are steps caregivers will have to go through to access these services.  They can be achieved with persistence!

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

There are 2 entities that train in DIR Floortime.

1. ICDL–  Many classes for families and caregivers available.
2. PROFECTUM– has a FREE parent toolbox.  Check it out!.  Profectum offers many classes, including master classes taught by experts from around the world!
3. For more information, check out this article on 10 things to know when working with a DIR professional.
4. Be sure to check out how other states are implementing a DIR Floortime option.